Macomb Township Parks and Recreation Facility Supervisor Gina Muszynski is pictured earlier this summer. On Sept. 9, the Macomb Township Recreation Center opened at 25% capacity.
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MACOMB TOWNSHIP — For the first time in six months, patrons could be seen in the Macomb Township Recreation Center.
On Sept. 9, the center, located at 20699 Macomb St., opened at 25% capacity.
That came less than a week after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order reopening Michigan’s gyms and pools in those regions where they remained closed.
“As per the order, some strict safety guidelines must be followed to allow entry into the facility,” a message on Macomb Township’s website reads.
Macomb Township Parks and Recreation Director Sal DiCaro said he and the staff are excited to be open again.
“We’ve been ready for the last month or so,” he said. “We hope everyone comes back, and (we) want them to realize we’re going to do everything possible to keep it a safe, clean and family-friendly facility.”
The morning of Sept. 9, DiCaro said there was a nice turnout.
All patrons must sign in and out, and masks must be worn throughout the building, unless someone is in the swimming pool. Social distancing of six feet must be adhered to at all times.
“They will have to check in and out. If unfortunately someone gets COVID-19, we would be able to know who was here at that time so we can contact them for tracing,” DiCaro said.
At the recreation center, all workout equipment must be cleaned before and after each usage.
The hot tub, and shared locker rooms are closed indefinitely, while family cabana’s will be open for pool programs.
DiCaro said the 25% order means 25% capacity of the fire code per each space.
“Were a 92,000 square foot facility so 25% isn’t going to be a big deal to us,” he said. “We had about 20 people first thing this morning and that’s nowhere near the limit which will be in the hundreds.”
All memberships were reinstated on Sept. 15.
Noticeable changes include cardio equipment that is now spread out throughout the building, sanitizers in each room and a different pool entrance.
“We’re only allowing swimming by reservation,” he said.
To make a reservation, visit macomb-mi.gov/367/Aquatics.
The executive order states that all gyms and pools that reopen must enforce strict safety measures.
“Gyms must require wearing of masks at all times, including times of exercise, configure workout stations or implement protocols to enable six feet of distance between individuals during exercise sessions, reduce class sizes to enable at least six feet of separation between individuals, provide equipment-cleaning products throughout the gym, and more,” the order reads.
DiCaro hopes that more people than not are eager to be back.
“The biggest complaint we’ve heard is that it’s hard to work out with a mask on,” he said. “It’s much better than the alternative, which was not being open, so we’ll take it.”
He estimates less than 100 individuals have suspended their membership.
Recreation center hours are Mondays to Fridays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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